Cannon Black
General Information
The hex color #272000, also known as Cannon Black, is a very dark shade of brown, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It falls within the range of near-black colors due to its extremely low luminance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 15.29% red, 12.55% green, and 0% blue. In the CMYK color model, it comprises 0% cyan, 18% magenta, 100% yellow, and 85% black. This color is often perceived as sophisticated and mysterious, making it a popular choice for conveying a sense of depth and intensity. It is frequently used in designs where a dark, understated aesthetic is desired, though careful consideration must be given to its potential impact on readability and accessibility.
The hex color #272000, often referred to as Cannon Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low luminance value means that text or other elements using this color as a background are likely to have insufficient contrast with foreground elements, making them difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to perceive. According to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Cannon Black will almost certainly fail these tests when paired with darker grays or blacks. Therefore, it is imperative to use lighter colors like white or very bright pastels for text or interactive elements when using Cannon Black as a background. Thorough contrast checking using online tools is strongly advised to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and to provide a usable experience for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of black that provides better contrast.
A dark grey that offers a more subtle and accessible alternative to pure black.
A rich brown tone, similar in depth but potentially more visually appealing and easier to pair with lighter elements for better contrast.
Applications
Subtle Accents
In web design, #272000 can be used sparingly for very subtle background accents or borders, but should never be used for text or interactive elements due to its poor contrast. When used in backgrounds, ensure that all foreground elements have high contrast. For instance, in fashion, this dark color can be used as a base for creating elegant outfits, but it is crucial to add lighter elements to provide depth and dimension. Similarly, in interior design, it can be incorporated as an accent color in small doses to create a sense of sophistication, but balanced with lighter walls, furniture, and accessories to avoid making a room feel too dark or oppressive. For example, one could use this color for a picture frame.
Creating Depth
This deep tone is used to create a sense of mystery and depth. In product design, #272000 can be used for packaging to convey a premium feel. In gaming, it can be used to create a dark and immersive gaming environment. In photography, it can be used as a background to make lighter colors stand out. For example, a studio photographer could use this color as a background for a product shot to make the product stand out.
Logo and Brand
Cannon Black can be used in small amounts for logo design or branding to create a sophisticated impression. As a background, be careful about the contrast it produces with other elements of the logo, such as the text and icons. In art, #272000 can be used to create a base tone to create contrast with other colors that may be more vibrant. For example, a painter could use this color to make the other colors in the piece stand out.